New From The Nest, April 28

Good Morning, my friends!

It was another gorgeous weekend in Southeastern North Carolina! We spent the lovely weekend trimming the 137,000 boxwoods that populate our front yard. O.K., maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration; there’s probably only 135,567.

We met with the trainer who will help us to help Elsa cope with her OCD issues last week. She was wonderful. From the minute she walked through the door, her demeanor was calming, and Elsa responded quickly. We have a busy and energetic home, and we need to realize that Elsa feeds off of that. It’s going to require a good deal of time and patience, but I’m optimistic we will learn some techniques that can help Elsa learn to calm herself. We have exercises to help her learn self-control and to reward her for being calm, which we will work on this week.

I know you’re probably jealous, but we’re proud owners of a brand-new, shiny water heater… yay. Can we agree that there are few less exciting expenditures than a new water heater? Other than the fact that we were without hot water for two days last week, that’s a bunch of money spent without commensurate gratification. That said, we got lucky. We were ‘this close’ to a flood of water in our garage. There had been a slow leak that we didn’t detect, which is a good reason to invest in an inexpensive leak detector.

Thanks to those of you who shared some of your tips for making life easier. Please keep those tips coming. I’ll be compiling and sharing them soon.

I finally took some pictures of our new back porch. The space had always been there, but was just a large, uncovered concrete porch. We covered it, laid down the bluestone, and added a fireplace, and it’s now the most used gathering and TV-watching space in the home! We couldn’t be more thrilled with it.

Table of Contents

New on the Blog

These sourdough discard waffles are the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever threw out your discard. Light, crispy on the outside, and tender inside, they’re packed with that subtle tang we love from sourdough. They’re freezer-friendly, easy to make ahead, and just begging to be topped with fresh fruit, syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing fresh produce, growing your own veggies is the way to go. This post walks you through the best vegetables to plant to get the most bang for your buck. Think high-producers like green beans, tomatoes, and leafy greens—easy growers and some that keep giving all season long!

From the Knit + Crochet Studio

This simple crochet dishcloth pattern is the perfect quick project for using up leftover yarn and creating something handy. With a sturdy, textured stitch that holds up to daily scrubbing, it’s the kind of handmade kitchen staple that’s as satisfying to make as it is to use. Plus, they make sweet little gifts when bundled with a bar of soap.

If you’re ready for a sweet and simple knitting project, this easy knit baby blanket is it. Using just basic knit and purl stitches, you’ll create a cozy, squishy blanket that’s perfect for gifting (or keeping). The pattern is beginner-friendly but still keeps things interesting with soft texture and a lovely drape.

easy knit baby blanket on white wicker chest.

From the Kitchen

With Cinco de Mayo coming up next week, I’ve gathered some recipes to make your most flavorful celebration yet.

To kick it off, you need a good, classic margarita—and this recipe delivers. This is my dad’s very popular recipe. It’s perfectly balanced, fresh, and simple, with just the right kick from fresh lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur. Skip the mixes; this homemade version is everything you want for a warm afternoon, a laid-back get-together, or your Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Two Margarita glasses with tequila and limes.

If you like a little heat with your happy hour, this jalapeño margarita is calling your name. It’s got the perfect balance of spicy, tart, and a little sweet, thanks to an easy jalapeño-infused simple syrup. It’s fun, festive, and sure to become a favorite for taco nights or summer evenings on the patio.

Jalapeño Margarita in a glass iwth a wedge of lime and sliced jalapeno.

Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive, this mango habanero salsa brings the flavor. Fresh mangos cool the fiery bite of habanero peppers just enough, while lime juice and cilantro keep things bright and fresh. It’s the perfect salsa for chips, grilled chicken, or spooned over fish tacos.

There’s nothing better than a pot of slow-cooked pinto beans to accompany your Cinco de Mayo meal. This easy crock pot recipe uses simple seasonings and lets the beans do their thing, resulting in tender, flavorful beans that are perfect for tacos, soups, or just a hearty side dish.

Crispy tacos without the mess of frying? Yes, please. These air fryer tacos are quick, crunchy, and endlessly customizable—stuff them with your favorite fillings, pop them in the air fryer, and dinner’s done.

Love the crispy edges of brownies? This brownie brittle recipe captures that perfect crunch in every bite. It’s rich, chocolatey, and totally irresistible—and the best part is, it comes together with simple pantry ingredients in no time. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or sneaking a handful when no one’s looking.

From the Arts + Crafts Studio

Dry, cracked heels don’t stand a chance with this rich homemade heel balm. Made with nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil, it’s a thick, moisturizing blend that soaks into tired feet, leaving them soft and refreshed. Plus, it’s easy to whip up a batch to keep or give as a gift.

Remember those colorful potholders you made as a kid? It’s time to bring that fun back—with a grown-up twist. These loom-woven potholders are not only a nostalgic craft, but they’re also incredibly practical, thick, and sturdy. Plus, picking out your color combinations is half the fun!

Whatcha Reading or Listening to?

Well, it’s the end of the month, which means it’s time to update my book reviews. For the past several years, I’ve joined the Goodreads Reading Challenge. If you need some book titles to add to your reading queue this year, check out my quick and dirty reviews here.

I mentioned that I’ve thoroughly benefited from every penny of my Audible subscription . Last year, I listened to all of Charles Dickens’ books while I went about my daily chores and projects. I’ve decided that 2025 will be my year for Russian authors.

If you like to listen while you work (declutter 😉), here’s also a list of podcasts I’ve enjoyed.

In the Garden

If zucchini is on your garden list this year (and it should be!), you’ll want to check out the best companions to plant alongside it. This post breaks down the herbs, flowers, and veggies that help your zucchini thrive—and which ones to avoid—making it easier to grow healthy, productive plants without a lot of extra work.